Trainer Liam Birchley will have his fingers crossed hoping his rising star Black Jet gets at start in the $200,000 Magic Millions Stayers’ Cup.
Ridden a clever race by jockey Glen Colless, Black Jet ($4.80) came from second last at the 700m to win the Carlton Draught Handicap (1600m) at Doomben on Saturday.
The tearaway leader Renewed Vitality ($2.70) was second, three-quarters of a length back with a half length to Micken ($8) in third.
Black Jet, Glen Colless - Photo by Daniel Costello
Birchley has done great job with Black Jet who has won five of his 10 starts.
“I am keen to run him in the Magic Millions Stayers’ Cup. It is over 1800 metres and I think he is looking for that distance,” Birchley said.
The big problem for Birchley is whether Black Jet, who has won $74,000 in prizemoney, will get into the Stayers’ Cup field.
“I know it would be a step up in class but Saturday was also a step up and he handled it well,” Birchley said.
“Glen showed how to ride him today as Black Jet is a big gangly horse who needs time to get balanced.”
Colless said he believed Black Jet would be up to a race like the Stayers’ Cup.
“It is usually a winnable race and I think Black Jet has plenty of potential,” Colless said.
Meanwhile, trainer Paul Nolan paid for some of his American holiday when Secret Garden ($6) won the Grinders Coffee Handicap (2200m).
Nolan, who mixes work as a tax accountant with training, listened to the race via the telephone from New York where he will see in the New Year.
